Focus on: Stop smoking

It’s my third attempt at quitting smoking, after first trying to quit with patches and then again a couple of years later using gum. How can I improve my chances of quitting for good this time?

Quitting can be tough and it’s good that you’ve tried nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help control the desire to grab a cigarette. There are lots of different forms, including patches and gum, but also inhalators and lozenges. It’s important to choose a therapy that suits you and your lifestyle as some may work better than others for you.

As well as NRT there are other things you can do to support your decision to quit:

– Get help. You’re up to four times more likely to stop smoking if you have support from a professional¹. Why not pop in to your local LloydsPharmacy and ask about our Stop Smoking Service²?

– Remember why you’re stopping. Perhaps you or your partner are expecting a baby, maybe you want to improve your health or you may want to save some extra money. Write down your reasons and put the list where you’ll see it. Then, if you’re struggling, read it to stay motivated.

– Keep your mind active. It’s important to try not to think about cravings. If you find a certain time of day hard, try changing your routine. Keep your hands and mouth busy by chewing sugar-free gum or perhaps writing a diary.

If you’d like further advice and support, our healthcare team can help. You’ll be able to discuss your smoking goals with a trained member of our team, who will offer tailored advice on how to best achieve them. And remember, we have consultation rooms if you would prefer to chat in private.